Longtime readers of our annual Bargain Bites special issue will notice a few changes in this year's guide.

Instead of broadly highlighting our favorite cheap eats across the Bay Area, we sent staffers in search of the top five bargains in nearly 20 categories, from all-American fare like burgers and sausages to ethnic favorites like ramen and banh mi.

We were looking for quality and consistency - just being cheap wasn't enough. And while we were willing to pay an extra dollar or two for premium meats and vegetables, we had to be able to taste the difference.

Remember: For a restaurant to be considered a bargain, most of the entrees have to be $12 or less. And if even that seems steep, there are plenty of deals in the $5 range, and some for even less than $3.

Of course, everybody has a favorite burger joint and Thai takeout spot, and we're always on the search for new bargains. So please send your suggestions to food@sfchronicle.com.

It's no secret that San Franciscans know how to eat, not to mention imbibe. No wonder, then, that our five favorite bargain booze-friendly eats are in the city.

Box Kitchen at the Tempest/Louie's Bar: At The Tempest in SoMa, former Michael Mina vet Stephen Crawford turns out high-quality pub grub, including a burger with bacon shallot gastrique ($10) and potato skins topped with crisp pork belly and fried quail eggs ($9). In March, Crawford and the rest of the Tempest team took over the classic dive Louie's in the Financial District. Here, must-orders include the Bolito Misto Sando ($11) and Sweet Lou's Bangkok Wings ($10).

This South of Market spot revels in amped-up versions of Mexican fare along with diner-style faves. Catering to the area's tech crowd, iPhone 5 chargers can be found at tables, along with a great selection of microbrews. Try the carne asada fries ($8), the pressed burritos known as zapatos ($6-$8) and the wickedly good Drive-in Burger that's reminiscent of In-N-Out ($6 single, $8 double).

Inspired by Pittsburgh's famous Primanti Brothers sandwich, Giordano's all-in-one creations are packed with meat and stuffed with french fries and a tangy slaw between two sturdy, yet pleasantly soft, slices of white bread ($6.50-$7.75). Just what you want to soak up a beer or two while watching a football game. Remember, though: This is Steelers territory.

If you want a hefty dose of nostalgia along with beer-friendly eats, this 66-year-old San Francisco institution is the place. The stick-to-your-ribs hofbrau fare, like hand-carved sandwiches piled high with your choice of meat ($6) or classic buffalo stew ($10.45), make for a perfect pairing with a cold Anchor Steam.

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Taco Shop at Underdogs:

The first thing you notice at this lively sports bar in the Sunset is the 10 flat-screen TVs, but once you bite into one of Nick Fasanella's mouthwatering "Nick's Way" tacos - a crispy grilled corn tortilla wrapped in a soft tortilla filled with Monterey Jack, beans, pico and guac - you may have trouble focusing on cheering for your team. The carne asada ($4.50) is stellar, though die-hard Nick's fans also sing the praises of "Baja Style" ($4.50 regular; $5.50 "Nick's Way"). Wash it all down with a margarita or cerveza, and you'll understand why this is epic bar food.

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Hamburgers

Burger fanatics go one of two ways for getting their patty on. Some gravitate toward the thin and greasy, giving equal billing to the bun and toppings. Others are all about a thick, juicy patty. We've found good, affordable options no matter your camp.

Fiveten Burger: If we were to judge food trucks on the length of the line and subsequent wait, Fiveten Burger - named after the area code of its Oakland home - would rate among the best. Fortunately, we think it's tops regardless. Choose from thick grain-fed ($6.75) or grass-fed patties ($8.75) topped with all the usual suspects. It's messy, decadent and truly delicious, as are the ultra-crisp truffle tater tots and garlic oil fries.

Vitals: Food truck - check for locations and times at www.fivetenburger.com. (510) 545-3486.

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Rickybobby:

Most of our other burger joints provide a quick-service experience, allowing diners to grab-and-go or order at the counter for a quick bite. Not so at Rickybobby, where the reasonable price point belies the sit-down-and-relax-awhile atmosphere. Here, the burger ($10) is a double patty crafted from ground beef and bacon, and comes dripping with cheese. The menu has other gut-busting pub grub favorites, but sticking with the burger and addicting sweet potato tots is good enough for us.